Allie Mood’s Lighthearted And Colorful South Carolina Home

Allie & Her Home

Scroll through her gorgeous feed and you’ll instantly see why Lonny named Allie Mood one of the “coolest moms to follow on Instagram.” The children’s stylist and mama of three is an expert at capturing the playful innocence of youth in everyday life, and is a firm believer that childhood should be as colorful as possible. Inspired by all things vintage, Allie even started her own children’s clothing line, Poppy & Hen, which uses patterns taken from her grandmother’s collection from the 1950s and ’60s.

Her “back in time” aesthetic, as Allie calls it, is reflected beautifully in her South Carolina abode. Although moving three times in the last two years has come with its own challenges, Allie says she’s kept her focus on creating a bright and happy home for her family each time. From the green mid-century sofa in the living room to the charming frocks worn by her daughters, you’ll find cheerful color around every corner.

Today, we’re thrilled to step inside Allie’s home and learn more about what makes this influential, stylish mama tick. We’re sure you’ll find her as irresistibly charming as we do!

What do you love most about your home?

Nothing makes me happier than sunshine. I feel like, despite the season or weather outside, my house always seems bright and colorful. I love my big, fenced-in backyard where the children can run free. I love that our house is on one story and has a ton of living space.

Describe your style in three words: go!

How has your background as a stylist influenced your home design approach?

They probably go hand in hand. I love vintage children’s apparel, and that is really where my children’s styling career began. My photographs and styling were first discovered by a Norwegian blogger who adored that I dressed my daughter “back in time.”

My vintage “back in time” style is definitely represented throughout my house. Every room has at least a few vintage or antique pieces in it—whether it is a bed, bookshelf, toy or a painting. I love the mix of old and new. There is always something to say for the old and new in both places—children’s fashion and home décor. The perfect modern-day dress pairs perfectly with a vintage pair of Mary Janes, just as a modern dining table pairs perfectly with antique chairs and a vintage piece of art.

There is such a thrill that comes with the search for beautiful vintage clothing; the same thrill comes with finding the perfect mid-century side table for a steal. My home is what it is because of all the old pieces in here—the same goes for styling children; it is known for it’s vintage style. I can’t imagine not dressing my children in vintage.

Tell us the story behind your vintage Disney décor.

Poppy’s Snow White set was found at a Charleston, South Carolina, thrift store and I had to have it! Poppy’s first Disney costume was a Snow White costume, and it was her favorite movie as a 3-year-old. My mother-in-law bought me the Pinocchio puppet at a little store in Italy. To me, old Disney embodies childhood happiness and innocence. It is, after all, the most magical place in the world. I can’t wait to take my children there. I basically wish the ride It’s a Small World was in my backyard. This year, our Poppy & Hen summer collection features vintage Disney styles—a Daisy and Donald dress and a Wonderland dress.

I don’t think I was really ever fully me until I had children. I always felt a little detached from myself until I became a mother. I never imagined motherhood would be this beautiful.

Where are some of your favorite places to find artwork and furniture?

For artwork, definitely antique stores, but if not local artists, hand-me-downs from parents! If the piece of art is not old, it is done by local South Carolina-based artists. Raven Roxanne, Lulie Wallace, Way Way Allen, Whaley Wells and SunWoven are just a few of the local artists I support.

When it comes to furniture, I shop my parents’ garage, antique stores, CB2 and Joy Bird. I also happen to live near an Anthropologie outlet that is pretty amazing.

Sweet or savory?

Sweet! Give me all the Krispy Kreme donuts, milkshakes and candy cigarettes this world has to offer!

My children and my mom. I was frustrated by searching for vintage modern clothing that just didn’t seem to exist. My mom taught us all how to sew as children. She is an amazing seamstress and can sew anything. She sold her children’s designs to Neiman Marcus when she was in her early 20s. She is basically my idol when it comes to everything home décor and creativity. She made our clothes as children, our debutante dresses as adults and even my bridesmaids’ dresses. Poppy & Hen uses vintage patterns from the ’50s and ’60s, all of which came from my grandmother and great-grandmother.

There is always something to say for the old and new in both places—children’s fashion and home décor. The perfect modern day dress pairs perfectly with a vintage pair of Mary Janes, just as a modern dining table pairs perfectly with antique chairs and a vintage piece of art.

With an impressive 70k+ followers, it’s clear you’re an Instagram queen! How have you garnered such a following, and who do you love to follow?

I actually have no idea how my following grew to this number; I think maybe working and collaborating with other women and companies has made this happen. I love working with and supporting companies and bringing their products to life through my Instagram feed. Capturing my children has become one of my favorite things to do.

Who to follow? I enjoy following accounts I have followed since I first got Instagram, the ones who I followed when I only had 500 followers. @mintkarla is definitely one of them, as we have followed each other for years, and became true friends. Her work is gold, just like her heart. I also enjoy following people who have the exact opposite style than I do. It intrigues me. A few who come to mind are @houseinhabit, @mamawatters, @oldjoy, @ozarkmamadeer and @thegelfis. Their styles are so different from mine, it is very inspiring in a different sort of way. And, of course, children’s magazines and clothing companies.

What’s your go-to mama-duty outfit of choice?

Jeans, a T-shirt and my Vans.

You recently did a lifestyle photo shoot for Sonnet James. What draws you to that particular brand?

Honestly, Whitney, the founder, is what originally drew me to this brand. She is so passionate about her line and mothering! She truly inspires me. Her clothing is so versatile. You can wear it to church or wear it in your backyard. It is comfortable and classy at the same time, which is perfect for day and night. She makes the prefect throw-on-and-rush-out-of-the-house kind of outfit.

Tell us about your favorite dinner to make on a hectic day!

What brings you the most joy as a mother?

Everything! I don’t think I was really ever fully me until I had children. I always felt a little detached from myself until I became a mother. I never imagined motherhood would be this beautiful. If you take away everything else—the worldly and material things, like money, chaos and errands—well, there you have it. The only thing that matters: my family. That is, being a mother, realizing they are all that truly matters. Raising them up is the biggest, most important gift that God has ever given me. My children are my joy. Period.

Name the last book you read that you would recommend and why.

Please, someone, give me the time to read a book!

To me, old Disney embodies childhood happiness and innocence. It is, after all, the most magical place in the world. I can’t wait to take my children there. I basically wish the ride It’s a Small World was in my backyard.

What are your must-see places or things to do in South Carolina?

Must see: Pawleys Island (a shoeless, carefree, shabby island where we spend our summers), Rush’s fast food restaurant for a milkshake and somewhere for a barbecue sandwich and sweet tea.

If you had one day all to yourself, how would you spend it?

An entire day? Oh, gosh. Can my sisters fly here from California and Louisiana? I would spend it with them, and my mom. We would go to antique stores and get a pedicure and drink lattes and maybe even get our eyebrows waxed. But seriously, days without children are few and far between for me. It would be amazing!